2000 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Beware of Early Transmission Failure!!

Written by: Dissapointed in CA on 02/03/2008

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323iT Wagon

Review

I was in love with this car. It corners like a dream and you can park it anywhere. Unfortunately, the steptronic transmission has a MAJOR design flaw (some say it was an engineering compromise made to meet EPA mileage requirements, but I don't know this to be fact). The reverse clutch drum has a C clip that holds the gears down under pressure. After 50-75k miles the clip breaks off and you suddenly lose reverse. It can't be repaired - you have to completely rebuild the transmission. It cost us $4700. So, if you MUST buy, I would either get one w/ an already rebuilt transmission or invest in an extended warranty.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Not a Long term Car

Written by: S Alllen on 12/16/2007

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

Bought this vehicle for travel. It looks great, but wow, for a high rated vehicle, i wouldn't buy another BMW. The windows fall into the doors (BMW dealer says thats normal) and cost to fix $$$$. Heater doesn't work well, air doesn't work well. The heated seats they work. Wouldn't recommend a used BMW or keep one past 3 years. Not worth the extra money!

Favorite Features

Heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the quality of the windows, shouldn't be an acceptable problem!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Time to trade

Written by: Jill on 11/09/2007

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323iT Wagon

Review

While my 3-series wagon was under warranty, all was well. I didn't mind the repeated trips to the dealership to replace every motor in each of my power windows, or my power steering leak, or a regulator in my AC. However, once the warranty expires the out of pocket cost to replace a transmission, along with lengthy list of repairs that accompanies each regular check up becomes quite irritating. The door panel inserts became dislodged and even the BMW logo on the hood came off. . . TWICE. Too headache and expense for "the ultimate driving machine."

Favorite Features

Sporty look, performance, luxury, ability to stay in style

Suggested Improvements

More reliable parts, less expensive labor, fewer trips to the shop

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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7 years and counting

Written by: Bryncerdd on 06/24/2007

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

I purchased this car on the basis of promised road-handling and prior experience with an earlier BMW. Some minor issues which should not have occurred (malfunctioning sun roof, malfunctioning ignition switch) have been the only problems. The car handles delightfully, has a shorter turning radius than any four-door car I have encountered, looks good inside and out. This is not an economy car, and may be overrated by some enthusiasts, but it is still a safe and enjoyable means of transportation. I could, and do, recommend it to any potential purchaser.

Favorite Features

Exterior paint, steering, engine.

Suggested Improvements

Improve reliability of electrical systems, find brake pads that produce less dust.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Long term keepsake.

Written by: Julio M. on 06/18/2007

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

It is expensive to maintain after the honeymoon (warranty), i.e. inspection #1, #2 and #3 and tires, oil change. Some dealers use the "access by dealer only" to sell unneeded part, plus outrageous hourly fees. I bought mine new but I would recommend to someone with a good income after 100,000 miles. Very reliable, powerful and fast on the Autobahn. Stateside a Mustang in a barn.

Favorite Features

Manual trans, power on demand. Handling. Gas mileage w/o A/C, 34 MPG. Reliability. Color: Titanium Silver.

Suggested Improvements

Should have the dealer balance and align tires before ownership. Front passenger side area should be a bit wider for big people.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Too expensive to maintain after warranty

Written by: Calzone on 05/02/2007

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323i Sedan

Review

Nice sports sedan, lots of fun to drive in dry weather. Poor handling in snow, and very costly in repairs once the warranty expired. Several issues with AC unit, latest $1,200 for an evaporator. Real wheel spring broke after 60K miles. I am selling and getting a Honda.

Favorite Features

Solid feel in turns.

Suggested Improvements

Improve reliability.

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Loving my 328Ci

Written by: adrian on 02/14/2007

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328Ci Coupe

Review

After owning a 95 318ti that had 220k miles on it and ran flawlessly, I knew i had to buy another BMW. I got a helrot red one with black leather interior and a 5 speed manual trans. I absolutely love this car. It's got good power for daily driving and sports driving too.

Favorite Features

The interior is very well designed and its build quality is 100%. The smooth 2.8 liter inline-6 sounds great and does 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds. I love the xenon headlights too, makes night driving so much better. This car will also stop on a dime and handlea like a car on rails.

Suggested Improvements

Foglights should have been xenon lights too. Doesn't look right with both foglights and regular lights on. I also do not like the factory cd player since it turns itself down once you stop or slow down.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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00 BMW 323 Wagon

Written by: R. Kataoka on 12/07/2006

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323iT Wagon

Review

Pretty steady car, Great for small families, good performance, interior engineered well and is holding up fine. Real good on tires. First set went about 55K. The cons are not real bad but gas mileage - the auto transmission tank vents and dirt accumulated in the engine compartment. Lots of brake dust and get used to cleaning it - all the time. I would buy another. Repairs are a bit pricey.

Favorite Features

Comfortable on long drives and roomy for a mini-wagon. Interior layout is effective and good turning radius

Suggested Improvements

ATF filler cap.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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First Ultimate driving machine - Wow!

Written by: Anthony Greenidge on 11/25/2006

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323i Sedan

Review

Now I see what all the hoopla is about. I was warned once you drive a BMW you can never go back to anything else. Well they were absolutely correct, excellent driving car. Put 20,000 miles on it already in just 7 months. Any excuse to drive this car. Love the handling after coming from an 95 SHO Taurus. Car looks and drives just as good as my neighbors 2005 325 for $10,000 less. Can`t wait to get my 3 series convertible next summer.

Favorite Features

Excellent dash and controls layout. Central locking control system. Great gas mileage. Safety systems ie: all round airbags DSC, ABS, HPS, BAC. Just as safe as mom's Volvo but a lot more fun! Low maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

Noisy climate control fan and fresh air system.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Buyer beware

Written by: john samson on 11/03/2006

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328Ci Coupe

Review

I would recommend this car to no one, I bought mine last year with 40,000 miles. It was like it was brand new, then I heard a banging noise under the car. The frame of the car had come apart it’s a little known design flaw. I ended up paying $4700 to get it fixed. The car has always run great, handles great, but you would expect more from BMW then for it to fall a apart at 50000 miles. So buyer beware.

Favorite Features

Handles well.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 6 people found this review helpful

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